As the largest graduating class in Cleary history crossed the stage during the university’s 2026 Commencement ceremony, graduate Kylie Walker was celebrating in a different kind of spotlight — on the field at Comerica Park alongside PAWS, the Detroit Tigers mascot.
As Walker earned her Master’s Degree in Project Management, she was already living out her dream career as a seasonal full-time fan experience assistant for the Tigers.
Walker was uniquely prepared for the role after earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Promotion & Management from Cleary in 2024.
Students at Cleary know Kylie from her role as Student Life Coordinator, where she has planned everything from flag football games and pickleball tournaments to late-night breakfasts and smash-a-car events during exam week’s Destress Fest.
That hands-on experience helped her land her role with the major league baseball team.
“My experience with event planning at Cleary was a huge component to that,” she says. “I just plan them at the Tigers on a bigger scale.”
Walker started during the team’s 2025 season. As a fan experience assistant, she helps plan and execute all aspects of pre-game, in-game and post-game activities, from the singing of the national anthem and first pitch to inning activations and post-game concerts.
Kylie says the lessons she learned at Cleary opened her eyes to the wide range of opportunities available in the sports industry.
“In my classes being able to learn real world instances of other people that have done similar things helped me be successful in my position,” she says.
Some of her favorite duties with the Tigers include giving away prizes during Fan Appreciation Weekend and helping stage Christmas in July, complete with carols and a visit from Santa.
“I really like that every day is different and it’s not just sitting in an office all day. On average I usually walk 4 to 5 miles every single game day,” she says.
When Kylie started college, her dream of working for a professional sports team began to take shape, and she worked toward that goal with support from her alma mater.
“Cleary helped me reach that goal,” she says.
And now, from campus events to Tigers Stadium, Walker is helping create memorable experiences for thousands of fans every game day.
To learn more about Cleary University’s BBA in Sports Promotion & Management, call (800) 686-1883 or email admissions@cleary.edu.
